November 21, 2012

When BMW decided to update the two models in its popular GS enduro line, it also looked to clear up some confusion over model names. Despite being powered by the same 798cc engine, though in different states of tune, BMW’s street-oriented enduro is called the F 650 GS and its more offroad-oriented enduro is called the F 800 GS. The transverse, liquid-cooled parallel twin that powers the F 700 GS and the F 800 GS has four valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection, a closed-loop catalytic converter and a 6-speed gearbox. It features an additional connecting rod that serves as a counterbalancer to smooth out vibration.

In the F 800 GS, the engine is tuned to deliver the same claimed 85 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 61 lb-ft of torque at 5,750 rpm as before. The F 700 GS generates a claimed 75 horsepower at 7,300 rpm and 57 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm, up 4 horsepower and 2 lb-ft from the F 650 GS.

The F 700 GS also features a shorter overall gear ratio for quicker acceleration. The steel tubular frame that uses the engine as a stressed member, steel subframe, aluminum swingarm, wheels (cast on F 700 GS, spoked on F 800 GS) are unchanged.

The new F 700 GS gets a second disc brake on the front wheel, like the F 800 GS, and both models are fitted as standard with BMW Motorrad two-channel ABS. Two popular options have been added for the first time in this middleweight segment—Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) and Automatic Stability Control (ASC), or traction control.

ESA allows the rider to conveniently set rebound damping of the rear shock at the press of a button on the handlebars, with the settings “Comfort,” “Normal” or “Sport” available. Unlike other BMW models where ESA is offered, spring preload for the rear shock is set by hand, using a remote adjuster knob. ASC prevents unwanted spinning of the rear wheel while accelerating, which could result in the loss of lateral grip and a slide.

The new F 700 GS and F 800 GS also feature the latest generation of BMW Motorrad switchgear, which is more compact and offers improved ergonomics. They also get new instrumentation that’s easier to read and offers more information, including fuel level and coolant temperature.

Styling updates include new side trim, a new handlebar clamp and windscreen for the F 700 GS, and smoke gray turn signals and LED taillight covers. BMW has also increased its range of options and accessories, including a low suspension kit for the F 800 GS.

The F 700 GS will be offered in Red apple metallic, Ostra grey metallic matt and Glacier silver metallic, and the F 800 GS will be offered in Kalamata metallic matt, Cordoba blue and Alpine white.